ISAC Update

Name: Illinois Student Assistance Commission
Address: 1755 Lake Cook Road Deerfield, IL 60015-5209
Telephone: 800.899.ISAC (4722)

VOL. 44, NO. 3F
September 2026

Messages sent to:	Multiple Subscription Groups
	ISAC Update

Welcome to the September 2026 ISAC Update for financial aid administrators and business officers. This version of the electronic ISAC Update is a compilation of e-Messages sent through ISAC's e-Messaging service throughout September.

The articles in this Update have been organized according to the FAA subscription groups to which the messages were distributed.

Questions?

Questions regarding information in this ISAC Update can be directed to Partner Services by calling 866.247.2172 or sending an email message to [email protected]. On occasion, you may be directed to a specific contact person or area; when this occurs, we will provide the appropriate information in the individual article or message.

MULTIPLE SUBSCRIPTION GROUPS

Last Call to Submit Proposals for the Second Annual First Gen Symposium on Thursday, November 5, 2026
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on September 28, 2026.

We are excited to welcome attendees to the Second Annual First Gen Symposium, which will be held on Thursday, November 5! We look forward to gathering a community of dedicated professionals to share the best practices for supporting first-generation students on their postsecondary journeys.

We want to thank Waubonsee Community College for its partnership in hosting this year's symposium!

To ensure a robust program, the Call for Proposals is closing soon. We encourage anyone interested in presenting their insights or research to begin considering session topics now. Our symposium is a unique opportunity to connect with peers and discover new strategies for postsecondary planning and preparation. We want you to be part of the conversation, whether as an attendee or a presenter!

Call for Proposals

We invite professionals from high schools, community-based organizations, TRIO programs, first-generation programs at colleges and universities, and more to submit a session proposal! We encourage those who are interested to submit a session proposal by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026.

For more information and the latest updates, visit the First Gen Symposium page. If you have questions about the symposium, you can reach us at [email protected].

Thank you,

ISAC Professional Learning Communities' Team

[email protected]

Girlhood, Translated: In-Person FAN Event
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on September 25, 2026.

ISAC is pleased to invite you to join us for an in-person author event with Suzanne Garfinkle-Crowell, MD, MSc, as she discusses her new book, Girlhood, Translated: Understanding Young Women in the Era of Therapy Speak and Self-Diagnosis.

Dr. Garfinkle-Crowell is a psychiatrist in private practice who treats children, adolescents, and adults. She is the Founding Director of the Academy for Medicine and the Humanities at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She has a strong focus in her practice and writing on the mental health of young women. In her latest book, Dr. Garfinkle-Crowell addresses the trend over the last decade of young women seeking treatment for a long list of psychiatric diagnoses often pulled from the internet and social media, and the impact on the young women, their parents, and the ability to discuss the feelings of women separate from jargon, labels, and mental illness. This is a timely and important book for everyone who works with adolescents and young adults, as well as for those who are raising and caring for young women. Please share widely with anyone in your personal and professional networks who may be interested in this event or future events.

The ninety-minute program – which takes place at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (Deerfield) beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13 – will include a Q&A session with the author.

Space is limited, and registration is required. Please register here to secure your spot.

Special Offer: The first 100 registered attendees will receive a signed copy of Girlhood, Translated: Understanding Young Women in the Era of Therapy Speak and Self-Diagnosis.

Venue and Parking Information

There are parking lots on the north and east sides of the building. You can park anywhere, not only in visitor designated spots. Enter the building via the east entrance.

This is a state government building, and all visitors must present valid picture identification upon entry. Take the elevator to the 4^th floor, where an ISAC staff member will direct you to the event.

Pilot Program Email to be Sent to Select First-time Freshman Filers
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, MAP Users, and Business Officers on September 24, 2026.

ISAC will be running a direct email communication pilot program when the 2027-28 application cycle begins. This pilot program is expected to reach about 4,000 MAP-eligible first-time freshmen who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid.

As you know, most students are informed of their possible MAP grant eligibility when they receive a financial aid offer letter from an institution. Students who have not completed a college application, however, may never learn about their possible eligibility for a MAP grant. The purpose of this pilot program is to measure the effects of notifying students that they may be eligible for a MAP grant, which might encourage them to apply to a MAP-approved Illinois school instead of going out of state or not attending college at all.

ISAC's contact information is included in the email for applicants who have questions or need assistance, however we want to ensure you are aware of this communication. You will be able to identify students who have received this communication in GAP Access. Receiving the email does not mean a student has been awarded a MAP grant. It indicates the student may be eligible based on information available to ISAC.

A copy of the pilot program email appears below.

PILOT PROGRAM EMAIL TEXT

You recently submitted a 2027-28 FAFSA or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid that may qualify you for funding through the state's Monetary Award Program, or MAP grant. MAP is a need-based grant program for eligible Illinois residents attending MAP-approved schools in Illinois. It is administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Because MAP is a grant, that means it is funding for college you don't have to pay back!

Your FAFSA or Alternative Application included one or more Illinois institutions. You could be eligible to receive a MAP grant at the Illinois institution(s) you listed on your FAFSA. (See all MAP-approved schools). We encourage you to use our MAP estimator to find out how much funding you might be able to receive. Please note your potential MAP eligibility is based on the information that was reported on your first FAFSA or Alternative Application filed. If your FAFSA or Alternative Application is corrected or updated, and your Student Aid Index (SAI) changes, your eligibility for MAP may change as well.

Each Illinois college or university you apply to and list on your FAFSA or Alternative Application will decide how much funding you'll receive from MAP and other forms of financial aid. They will provide all official details. It's important to know that most colleges and universities only send financial aid offers to students after they apply for admission.

ISAC provides other scholarships and grant programs that can help you pay for college at institutions in Illinois. To learn more about the financial aid process and available programs, visit isac.org. If you have questions about a specific program, contact us by calling 800.899.ISAC (4722) or email us at [email protected].

ISAC also offers free workshops and one-on-one support statewide to help you apply for college and financial aid. Our ISACorps can also support you every step of the way on your journey to college. Schedule an appointment for a free one-on-one virtual meeting at isac.org/booking or attend a free college and financial aid workshop in your community. Learn more and find an ISACorps™ member near you.

Call for Proposals Extended!
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on September 23, 2026.

We are excited to welcome attendees to the Second Annual First Gen Symposium which will be held on Thursday, November 5!

We are extending the call for session proposals and invite high schools, community-based organizations, TRIO programs, first-generation programs at colleges and universities, and other organizations to submit a session proposal.

New deadline: 11:59 p.m. (CT) on Friday, October 2, 2026

Possible topics include, but are not limited to:

Solutions to barriers faced by first-generation students and professionals
Scholarship opportunities for first-generation college students
Developing events tailored to first-generation students
Programs increasing belonging among first-generation college students
Strategies for facilitating successful transitions for first-generation college students

For more information and the latest updates, visit the First Gen Symposium page. If you have any questions, contact the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Team at [email protected].

2027-2028 MAP Start-up Formula Approved
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, MAP Users, and Business Officers on September 23, 2026.

The following actions were taken at the September 17, 2026 meeting of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. You can find a listing of all agenda items in the September 17, 2026 agenda book, located in the ISAC's Governing Board: The Commission section of ISAC's website (isac.org).

FY28 (2027-28 Academic Year) MAP Start-up Formula Approved – Agenda Item 5

Because the fiscal year 2028 (FY28) state budget process has not started yet, staff assumed that the Monetary Award Program (MAP) will receive the same amount as the FY27 appropriation of $721.6 million. The Commission approved using the following FY27 recompute formula elements in the start-up formula for 2027-28 MAP grants:

2021-22 reported tuition and fees;
the 2021-22 Pell Grant Payment Schedule;
a $5,200 living allowance; and,
an $8,400 maximum award (with an effective maximum of $8,064 after the 4% reduction).

Details of the approved start-up formula can be found at ISAC's website, in the MAP section of the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs area.

Information about implementation of the FY28 MAP start-up formula will be communicated in a future message.

Encourage Students to Submit 2027-28 FAFSA^® or Alternative Application

Encourage students to submit the 2027-28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) as soon as the applications become available to all students (expected on October 1, 2026). ISAC staff monitors application volume throughout the year to ensure that MAP awarding fits the available funding.

Continue to check the MAP Program News area and the FAA Message Board for future operational updates.

Additional Items

The Commission also approved these items:

2027 Meeting Dates – Agenda Item 1
College Illinois!^® Prepaid Tuition Program Updates – Agenda Item 6

Next Meeting

The next Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 3, 2026.

2026-27 Payment Requests Being Accepted: ECACE, Golden Apple, NES, SSWS, TISP
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on September 22, 2026.

ISAC is accepting fall-term payment requests (claims) for 2026-27 programs. In order to be considered timely, first-term claims must be submitted on or before the priority claim deadline. The timely submission of claims and cancellations/adjustments allows ISAC staff to monitor remaining funds and award other students, as applicable.

Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program

Colleges may submit 2026-27 ECACE Scholarship fall (Term 1 for semester and quarter schools) claims.

The fall-term claim deadline date is December 31, 2026.

Resources Available Online:

Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program (Golden Apple)

Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program eligibility data is available and first-term claims are being accepted.

The first-term claim deadline date is December 31, 2026

Resources Available Online:

Nursing Education Scholarship (NES)

Colleges may submit 2026-27 NES fall claims.

The fall-term deadline date is December 31, 2026.

Resources Available Online:

School Social Work Scholarship (SSWS)

Colleges may submit 2026-27 SSWS fall claims.

The fall-term claim deadline date is December 31, 2026.

Resources Available Online:

Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program (TISP)

Colleges may submit 2026-27 TISP fall claims.

The fall-term deadline date is December 31, 2026.

Resources Available Online:

Save the Date: Second Annual First Gen Symposium This Fall
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on September 18, 2026.

Join us at our Second Annual First Gen Symposium on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, Illinois!

The deadline to register is Friday, October 30, 2026, or until full capacity has been reached — this may be before October 1, as space is limited. Registration is $25 and includes continental breakfast and lunch. Advance registration is required. Walk-in registration is not available. To receive the latest updates, join ISAC's e-Messaging service. For questions, contact [email protected].

Parking: The event will take place in the Academic and Professional Center. Limited parking is available in parking lot N4 with overflow parking available in lot N8.

CAMPUS MAP

The First Gen Symposium provides an opportunity for you to learn and share best practices for supporting first-generation students in postsecondary planning. At this year’s symposium, you will:

Hear from programs actively seeking to increase belongingness among first-generation college students
Hear from first-generation students and professionals on best practices and solutions that have come out of the barriers they faced
Learn about scholarships specifically dedicated to first-generation college students
Learn about different strategies taken by school counselors and college-access professionals to facilitate successful transitions for first-generation college students
Learn about developing events tailored to first-generation students
Understand the power of storytelling behind first-generation student success and graduation

Reminder – Submit Call for Proposals by September 24!
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on September 15, 2026.

We are excited to welcome attendees to the Second Annual First Gen Symposium which will be held on Thursday, November 5!

We invite high schools, community-based organizations, TRIO programs, first-generation programs at colleges and universities, and more to submit a session proposal! The deadline to submit a proposal is 11:59 p.m. (CT) on Thursday, September 24, 2026. We want you to be part of the conversation!

Possible topics include, but are not limited to:

Solutions to barriers faced by first-generation students and professionals
Scholarship opportunities for first-generation college students
Developing events tailored to first-generation students
Programs increasing belonging among first-generation college students
Strategies for facilitating successful transitions for first-generation college students

For more information and the latest updates, visit the First Gen Symposium Page. If you have any questions, contact the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Team at [email protected].

2026-27 ECACE Awarding
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, and ECACE Administrators on September 14, 2026.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is sharing information to assist colleges in the administration of the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program.

Awarding Has Been Completed

Awarding has taken place for 2026-27 ECACE Scholarship Program applicants based on certification records that were completed by the colleges before September 14, 2026. Renewal and new applicants were awarded and award notifications are being delivered to those students by ISAC. Colleges may access 2026-27 eligible award information, including funded or unfunded status, using the ECACE system. Award results may be viewed on the "Student List Eligibility: View" screen.

2026-27 Award Determination: NES, TISP, SSWS
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, and NES Schools on September 14, 2026.

Awarding for the following 2026-27 programs has taken place.

Nursing Education Scholarship (NES)

All renewal applicants who have been certified as eligible by their college received priority consideration for awarding, followed by eligible new applicants. ISAC will mail notifications to award recipients soon.

Resources about the awarding process may be accessed via the NES Electronic Processing area, as well as the NES Award Determination page.

Teachers of Illinois Scholarship (TISP)

Teachers of Illinois Scholarships have been announced. ISAC will mail notifications to award recipients soon.

Resources about the awarding process may be accessed via the Teachers of Illinois Electronic Processing area, as well as the Award Determination for Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program page.

School Social Work Scholarship (SWSS)

Applicants who have been certified as eligible have been awarded. ISAC will mail notifications to award recipients soon.

Resources about the awarding process may be accessed via the School Social Work Scholarship Electronic Processing area, as well as the School Social Work Scholarship Awarding page.

Commission Meeting Thursday, September 17 – Executive Briefing Tuesday September 22
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, MAP Users, and Business Officers on September 14, 2026.

The next regular meeting of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. (CT). You may attend the meeting at either the ISAC Deerfield or Springfield office location (see below for addresses).

Some of the items on the tentative agenda are:

2027 meeting dates and locations
Fiscal year 2028 Monetary Award Program (MAP) start-up formula
College Illinois!^® Prepaid Tuition Program investment and program updates

The complete listing of agenda items is included in the September 17, 2026 agenda book, which can be accessed via the ISAC's Governing Board: The Commission area of our website (isac.org). The online agenda book will be updated within 1-2 business days following the meeting to reflect action taken.

Executive Briefing Conference Call – Tuesday, September 22

An executive briefing conference call for institutional financial aid staff is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (CT). Executive Director Eric Zarnikow and ISAC staff will provide information about activity that took place at the Commission meeting and other ISAC updates.

On September 22, you can access the briefing by:

Clicking on this link: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/j.php?MTID=mafc8dda2db615a94e7e2efdebb4d2adc
Entering the meeting number when prompted: 2865 084 5694

For the audio portion, select one of the available options:

"Use computer audio" – for this option you will need to have a microphone to be able to interact with the briefing. Without a microphone, you will be in listen-only mode.
"Call me" – for this option, enter your phone number, and Webex will call you for toll-free participation.
"Call in" (not a toll-free option) – if you are not able to participate through the "Use computer audio" or "Call me" options, but would like to participate by phone, you can use one of these toll numbers: +1-312-535-8110 (US Toll Chicago) or +1-415-655-0002 (US Toll) and access code 2865 084 5694.

Access will also be available via the Partner Training page of the e-Library.

Commission Meeting Sites

Deerfield office
1755 Lake Cook Road
Conference Room 3030, 3^rd floor
Deerfield
Enter through the east door and check in at the desk.

Springfield office
500 West Monroe
Conference Room, 3^rd floor
Springfield
Enter from the rear parking lot (through the door on the east) and then use the elevator or stairs.

ISAC Monthly Webinar for FAAs on September 23
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on September 9, 2026.

Plan to join the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) at 2:00 p.m. (CT) on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 (the second-to-last Wednesday of the month) for a "Monthly Program & Operational Update" webinar for financial aid administrators.

Future monthly webinars will take place at 2:00 p.m. (CT) on the following dates:

Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Wednesday, November 18, 2026*

* Note: To accommodate the Thanksgiving holiday, the November webinar is scheduled for the second-to-last Wednesday of the month.

Registration is not required for these webinars. Participate by accessing the webinar link and presentation materials at the Partner Training page in the e-Library on the day of the event.

Requests for specific topics or questions you would like an upcoming webinar to address may be submitted by sending an email to Partner Services at [email protected].

Dear ISAC Partners,

We are thrilled to announce that, following a brief hiatus, the Second Annual First Gen Symposium will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026. We look forward to once again gathering a community of dedicated professionals to share best practices for supporting first-generation students on their postsecondary journeys.

To ensure a robust program, we have opened the Call for Proposals, with more details to follow in the coming weeks. We encourage anyone interested in presenting their insights or research to begin considering session topics. Our symposium is a unique opportunity to connect with peers and discover new strategies for postsecondary planning and preparation. We want you to be part of the conversation whether as an attendee or a presenter!

Call for Proposals

We invite high schools, community-based organizations, TRIO programs, first-generation programs at colleges and universities and more to submit a session proposal! The deadline to submit a proposal is 11:59 p.m. (CT) on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

For more information and the latest updates, visit the First Gen Symposium page. If you have questions about the symposium, you can reach us at [email protected].

Thank you,

ISAC Professional Learning Communities' Team

[email protected]

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ISAC UPDATE

August 2026 Electronic ISAC Update
Sent on September 1, 2026.

The August 2026 edition of the ISAC Update is now available for your review, and may be accessed via the Partner e-Messages & Newsletters section of the e-Library for Partners at isac.org. This version of the electronic ISAC Update is a compilation of e-Messages sent to financial aid administrators and business officers via ISAC's e-Messaging service over the past month.

Topics covered in the August 2026 ISAC Update include:

Submit 2026-27 IVG & ING Grant Benefit Usage Data
(sent August 24, 2026)
2026-27 MAP Payment Implementation
(sent August 24, 2026)
ISAC Monthly Webinar for FAAs on August 26
(sent August 12, 2026)
Submit 2026-27 Teachers of Illinois Certification Data
(sent August 10, 2026)
Operational Update: Federal Challenge to RISE Act and Impact on 2026-27 School Year
(sent August 7, 2026)
July 2026 Electronic ISAC Update
(sent August 3, 2026)

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